By VDC staff
Two men have been cited in connection with the June 17 shooting of an 84-year-old Swanton woman who was struck by a stray bullet while inside her home, Vermont State Police said Thursday.
Police said Tyler Swan, 27, of Georgia and Michael Richard, 39, of Essex Junction were target shooting near Geraldine Doran’s Ceres Circle home when a round entered the residence and struck her.
Doran suffered what police described as a significant injury and is recovering.
Investigators determined Swan had set up the target-shooting location. He was cited for felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor reckless endangerment.
Richard was cited for misdemeanor reckless endangerment.
A third person, whose identity is being withheld because of his age, also was participating in the target shooting, police said.
Swan and Richard were cited Aug. 20 and are scheduled for arraignment at 8 AM Sept. 22 in Franklin County Superior Court in St. Albans.
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Categories: Crime
Amazing the odds of a person in their own home being struck. This is not the first time this has happened. 18 years ago, a man in Essex was killed sitting in his own home by some nearby target shooters who devolved into “Rambo style” horseplay. One of the fundamental rules of firearm safety is to be sure of your target AND WHAT IS BEHIND IT. If taking someone shooting who is not familiar with such basic safety measures, it is the responsibility of those who are aware to teach them. This case of obvious negligence reflects poorly on all others who endeavor to use firearms responsibly.